MICHAEL FINDLAY FROM BRECHIN CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON FEMALE COLLEAGUES IN ABERDEENSHIRE

A male care home worker named Michael Findlay, who resides in Brechin, has been found guilty of committing multiple acts of sexual assault against female colleagues over a period of nearly two years. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of inappropriate and abusive behavior that left his victims feeling humiliated, intimidated, and emotionally distressed.

According to the court, Findlay repeatedly engaged in physical contact that was unwelcome and without consent. His actions included slapping and groping his coworkers, with one victim recounting that he would make inappropriate comments and physically touch her in a manner that made her uncomfortable. On one particularly troubling occasion, Findlay approached her from behind at a nurse’s station and forcibly slapped her buttocks with both hands. This incident caused her to freeze in shock and become overwhelmed with emotion, leading her to burst into tears after her shift had ended.

Another female staff member also reported being touched without her permission. In a further act of humiliation, Findlay swatted her buttocks using a clipboard in front of residents, seemingly intending to embarrass her publicly. These repeated incidents of misconduct prompted an internal investigation by the care home management. As a result, Findlay’s employment was terminated on the grounds of gross misconduct, and law enforcement authorities were subsequently involved.

Findlay ultimately pled guilty to two charges of sexual assault. During sentencing, the court considered his health issues and the nature of his actions. The judge sentenced him to a period of six months under supervision and ordered him to be registered on the sex offenders register for the same duration. The court decided against imposing a custodial sentence, acknowledging that Findlay’s health problems and genuine remorse played a role in this decision. The sheriff emphasized that although Findlay had no prior criminal convictions, his conduct over the nearly two-year span caused significant harm to his colleagues. One victim expressed feeling shocked and upset, while the other described feeling embarrassed by his actions.

In conclusion, the court highlighted the seriousness of the misconduct, but also recognized the mitigating factors, leading to a supervision order rather than imprisonment. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding workplace environments and ensuring accountability for inappropriate behavior, especially in sensitive settings such as care homes.